Home Office

You've seen my cozy office at church. You've seen my cozy office at my job where I no longer work. (It was cozy too. Just no windows. Ugh.)























Well here is my cozy office at home. Before and after, of course. This is our spare room. If you come to visit, this is where you will sleep. It needs to be painted. I don't do very well for very long with a room with white walls. But I haven't decided on a color. Hubby put up curtain rods for me in here so now I just have to pick colors, pick fabric and make some swell curtains. Yay for projects!

The best part about my office is that when I get tired, I can immediately take a nap. Yes, it is splendid.

Oh What a Beautiful Moooorning!

Look at this! My first "free" day and I'm up at eight? Unbelieveable.

We had a wonderful weekend. Friday being my last day, a bunch of my co-workers too me out for lunch. I packed up the rest of my desk and left promptly at five after many goodbyes all afternoon. We relaxed all evening and watched Garden State again and then a few hours of Scrubs. I have a mini-crush on Zach Braff I think.














Saturday I got tons done in the gardens and yesterday we had a huge Memorial-I-Quit-My-Job-Andy-Finished-A-Project-Day Picnic in our park. Since we live in the city we have a teeny-tiny yard. Which is fine, it only takes 8 minutes for our lawn-boy to mow it. However, we live about 50 yards from one of the city parks, so they mow our huge lawn for us! We wheeled the grill down with our coolers, and drinks etc and had a ton of great friends meet us for cooking out, frisbee, tons of food, croquet (which Andy won both games) and sparklers to finish off the evening.

Sunday was an ok day. The services were great in the morning and after the evening service we went out for Chinese and a movie with some friends. (By the way, X-Men is great! The friends that went with us hadn't even seen the first two in the trilogy, but still loved it.)

Now, I love my dad. Really. He's my dad and I do agree that family is "all you have for your whole life." But that doesn't mean I want to be with him. I feel such a weird dichotomy as I feel sorry for him and the horrible choices he has made with his life, but yet also such apathy towards wanting to be around him or have anything to do with him.

Anyway, he and his girlfriend were up for the weekend. Mostly to tour the state but also to stop in and see us and my brother. (who of course really doesn't want to have anything to do with dad) So we went out to lunch with them on Sunday. And it was fine. No horrid arguments, no emotional outbreaks. Just rationalizing. And vowing to "be more social" with us. Whatever that means. And apparently since dad can't be bothered to know our birthdays (Really? Cuz mine is exactly a week before his. Somehow he doesn't remember this? Right.) the girlfriend writes them all down. Because, as we all know, sending birthday and anniversary cards makes up for years of being ignored and living with a woman when one's mother is still alive and kicking. She may not kick very hard, but she can still kick.

Sigh. After an emotional melt-down two weeks ago, I am feeling better about it all. I'm never going to be "ok" with the situation, and I don't think I have to be. I don't think I have to make him a priority in my life. My husband is my priority now and if he tells me not to see my dad, then by golly, I think I will listen. (hey Honey, feel free to tell me this anytime.)

Love you guys. Thanks for letting me vent and let off steam. We'll be back to our regular silly programming soon enough.

It's a wonderful rainy day. I sit in my new little office (pictures of that coming soon also) with the window open watching the raindrops fall onto the roof and light thunder rumbles in the distance. I have my coffee and a very yummy fruity-breakfast-smoothy. I have to go to work for a meeting today. We're meeting at a coffee house. Because that's where all good church meetings happen. Then I have rehearsal this afternoon with my band. I love my kids. They are so great. I love my job.

Thanks for all the well-wishes! I have so many projects and so many things I want to be doing with my new time. This is my fresh start. This is my second chance.

I Ate it Too!

Today I got a very yummy cake-farewell from my coworkers.

It was a huge yummy cake with big pink flowers and reading: "Mondays at the Beach aren't all that. Best Wishes for your future."

Oh my friends, but you're wrong. Mondays at the Beach ARE all that. I'll be sure to send you pictures too. While you're at your desk in your little cubicle with no natural light and I'm basking in the sun on the sand with a good book. Oh yes. It is going to be all that. And maybe a little bit more.

Three...Two...One

It is my last Wednesday at my full-time job. Then tomorrow will be my last Thursday. And after that my last Friday.

I've only been here a year and a half. Which really isn't very long. And much has changed. I've changed positions, cubicles, buildings, coworkers. It's been very slow and it's been very busy. I've been bored and I've really loved my work.

The last bit of time is being spent filing and storing and saving and deleting and cleaning out and tying up all the loose ends, of which there are many.

It's very exciting. Ready to be done. Ready for more time to do the things that really matter to me. I'm working very long hours this week as I only put in two hours on Monday. Getting it all in, getting it all done. But the long hours aren't such a big deal as they're the last long hours here I have.

I've loved it here. I haven't ever had better management. They treat us with respect, like friends, like equal collegues. They pay us well. There is still crazy work drama, but nothing compared to other jobs I have had. I've been assured that there will always be a place for me here and no bridges have been burned. This is so comforting as I move into the arena of "who knows if we will be able to pay our bills."

Let's have lunch sometime. Let's get together for morning coffee. I want to put more time into our friendships. You matter to me and I value what we have here. And not just here: cyber-inter-web-nets, but HERE here. Real coffee, real conversations, real time.


It's almost time.

The Gnight the Gnome was Gnapped

Since I have only a few more days at my job, I have been going through old emails and files and saving things I want to keep personally, filing things for work that need saving here, and so forth.

In doing so, I came across a series of emails from the intial gnome-napping incident. This was quite a morning. In my yahoo inbox was a ransom letter. The type with cut-out letters and everything. We were told that Gary was being held for ransom and that we wouldn't get him back unless he paid up.




I have pasted in those emails from that fateful day. For posterity. For a few laughs. For the heck of it. You might not think it's funny. But really, trust me, it's hysterical. At least to me. And really, all I type here is for my own benefit, right? You're my free shrink.



Ok. Let me set it up. I've gotten the ransom email. I emailed the nappers back to let them know I was hiring a hit-man and they'd better not mess with me. Then I let a few friends know the situation at hand. We were all waiting for the noon hour to see what the gnome-nappers were going to do at that appointed deadline, as I hadn't paid up. The following is an accurate transcription of all that followed. As well as who was doing the talking. Names have been abbreviated to protect the innocent. Except for me. You already know who I am.

Enjoy!

The Gnight the Gnome was Gnapped


The time is fast encroaching! I don't know what to do!! Anne

You better start praying and praying hard that they don't de-hat him or worse yet......paint him! JB

NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Anne

But, maybe he'll become famous. Like the Roaming Gnome for Travelocity... EB

(It is now past noon)


So what happened!?!?!?!?! JB

Nothing yet. Pretty pathetic gnome-nappers if you ask me.And they're going to have to answer to me for this crime. And our hitman. Anne

They're probably to Canada by now... EB

They can't hide from us. Anne

Anne, How disasterous! Cowards! Poor Gary ... did these kidnappers leave any clues? You know, statistically speaking, kidnappers are usually intelligent, fairly handsome, and have very nice teeth and abs. Do you know anyone like this? I'm no PI, but I've done some sleuthing in my day. General rule of thumb - start with your immediate friends and family. The worst mistake you can make is to think that the kidnapper is some dummy because, like I said, generally speaking, they're geniuses. Also don't give up hope that Gary is dead - you need to be strong and show resolve. When this makes the national press, you'll have to compose yourself.So stay calm and think about what the kidnappers might possibly want. BH

Hmmmm... You have nice teeth, BH, and you consider yourself a genious. EB

You really think Brad Pitt is the kidnapper--awesome! I'll go on the chase...don't tell DS. JS

No, Brad is too high profile ...as much as I'm sure the snatchers may have his bone structure and weight lifting abilities, I doubt that his position in the lime light is conducive to this type of heist. Noo....hmm ...I'm smelling something much... darker at work here. Yet so... brilliant! It's hard to meld these two worlds of
awe into one person, but that's precisely the challenge with cases such as these. Oh Wait...Eureka! I've had an epiphany. It may not be a single hijacker! Think of it! Oh my...yes, yes...it's all coming together. It's so...obvious! They work as a team. There's no way that that level of sophistication and brilliance can be accounted for in one person. The fact that it appears the Ferrises were home at the time suggests they work in tandem. One distracts, the other snatches. Oh great Zeus, why didn't I see this before!? Anne, we'll get these beautiful, wicked people! Hang in there! BH

I'm right behind you JS! I hope he's wearing his toolbelt! BOH

Okay girls, stop lusting - that's precisely what these criminals want you to do! They want you to get sidetracked so badly you forget you ever had a gnome...or husband for that matter! No, you will resist and be strong! BH

You know, my first thought was that it was one of those evil geniuses. But then when they gave no indication of what they specifically wanted, nor did they tell me what to do with my money. There was a slight clue. Gary was locked in a cat carrier...and chained to a pole in a room that had wood paneling and was most likely a basement, due to the cement floor. I can't think of anyone I know who fits the profile that would have cats and a wood paneled basement though. Good thing we hired that hit-man. Anne

Yeah, I agree with Anne. I think it's more a Brad Pitt in 12 Monkeys type person...SO HOT! Or maybe Fight Club Brad and he was warring with himself on whether or not to do the deed...either way, it was a totally hot heist. JS

You know....I do know someone that has cement floors......wood paneling walls......was at your house this week....but I don't dare put out there whom I think it may be as I don't want something from my house stolen.....i have my opinion though.....JB

Yeah. You'd better be careful, JB One never knows what these type of heinous people are capable of. Anne

Anne, Anne, Anne...don't be a simpleton. Please, you're making too many assumptions here! Only 8% of all heists that fit this profile take place in the criminal's own state or country, let alone their house! Those wood panels and "cat carriers" as you claim (though it looked much more like a Middle Eastern prison to me, or, perhaps, Bangladesh) could easily have been digitally added in later so as to confuse or mislead. The important part is that Gary appeared to be okay and unharmed.Please, leave the thinking to the pros.BH

No, it was a pretty crappy picture taken by an amateur. I don't think this perpetrator would have the ability or know-how to digitally alter it. You forget, I've watched a lot of Law & Order. Anne

Law & Order!? Anne, you do a disservice to those of us in law enforcement! Though just a hobbyist, I still take offense! No, Law & Order is for sissies and Garth Brooks fans. Anne, let me show you my investigative prowess by bringing your attention to the fact that Mr. DS has not been sent this email. Coincidence? I think not. Follow the trail, Anne, follow the trail. BH

I was IM'ing w/ DS earlier. He had to go because he felt as a friend, and someone with a minivan, he was the one most able to gnab Gnary the Gnome. Many various ropes, camoflage fatigues, and silicones can fit in a minivan. EB

Precisely. I'll get on the horn with the NSA and make sure we train satellites on his position. It disgusts me...he buys a minivan and then thinks he owns the world. I already got off the phone with Michael Chertoff from Homeland Security and they have denied an Amber Alert for Gary because he "isn't one of us". Unfortunately this only underscores the need to bring to light the discrimination against gnomes which has become so commonplace. BH

You are digging your hole deeper and deeper BH. I'd stop now if I were you.....You are sounding very defensive in this business.....JB

JB, please STOP!!! Our garden gnome may be next. Oh... Wait... We don't have a garden gnome. So, never mind. You can keep accusing BH. EB

I have a feeling someone is suggesting it is US!? The H’s?! We have cats and wood panelling in our basement... but we don't have cement floors! We have cool tiled floors! With shuffle board! I love Gary! I hope you would NEVER think I would do anything that horrible! Poor Gary. Have you heard anything yet? Is he still alive? BOH

Hey, by the way, BH, how did you see those pictures?? Anne

I monitor a police scanner at work and heard the call come across. So sad. BH

You can "hear" pictures now?! Anne

Anne, you know nothing of the law enforcement world. Of course you can't "hear" pictures. But when a call comes out and I get an IPB on a case, I am given a dossier on the case which includes photos, phone taps, and toilet paper preferences on the criminals. Again, I plead with you Anne, leave the ingestigation to the pros here. BH

I think someone's living in an imaginary world. A world where he is nationally important, has numerous world-renown contacts and is eminently knowledgeable. It's sad really. And the consequences that he will now have to live with. Anne

Let's all dip a handful of cash from the offering at church this week to go toward the "Get Gary Gnome Home" (G3H) fund.JS

Anne, You're playing into their hands like a bug towards one of those blue zapper things! Don't you see!? You've pinned your aggression on your peers, on those who are here to support you. Have the courage, woman,to stand up and take the bull by the horns! Go after them! BH

You forget the hit-man. Anne

The hit man in the mini van? JS

Or So I Thought

Question: What is worse than a case of the Mondays?



Answer: A case of the Mondays with grape pop all over your clothes, keyboard, desk, walls, chair, monitor, phone, lamp, pens. EVERYTHING! Especially when you are wearing light khakis!

I think I just need to go home now. Already. Finally. Please?

Not as smart as he once was...

Hubby had his wisdom teeth out this morning. Since this is my last week at my job, we needed to get him in right away before we didn't have dental insurance anymore. So, out they had to come.

Fortunately for him, he only had two. So unfair. But he did very well and even informed me that he thought the procedure was very interesting. In fact, he was even glad he had been awake for it. Weirdo.

I packed him up on the couch, drugged him well and left him to sleep while I came to work. Hopefully this will be a good break for him for a few days as he has been working crazy all-night hours to get an album finished. Which is amazing by the way. You all will need to pick one up.

My last Monday at work. Whew.

Cleaning...Bah

I was going to clean today. Really.

But do you see how beautiful it is out? Not scalding hot or freezing. Slight breeze. Bright sunshine.

I guess it is just a day that was MEANT for gardening. Flowers and dirt and weeds and pots and seeds and sprouts and rocks and grass: Here I come!!

Melons

I am having a rather melancholy day today. Thinking about so many thoughts. Hearing sad stories and happy stories.

I'm warm but thirsty. I'm sleepy but wired.

Everything is permeated by the headache.

Maybe it's just PMS. I'm ok with admitting that. I'm in the land of in-between. And that's never fun. It feels like time is rushing past but dragging its feet.

I want to be working at home, but I want to be taking a nap. Maybe I'm a little bi-polar myself.

I'm too focused on me. But I'm thinking about everyone else.


Sometimes I think I'm just too weird. I really want some pineapple.

It's a Grey Day

Ok, so who else stayed up until 11 last night to see the season finale of Grey's? Did you think it was a good conclusion? I am pretty angry with Derek & Meredith. And so sad for Izzy. Yes, I admit I think about them like real people. I think pretty much everyone acted like an idiot at some point in the episode.

Uh-oh. I just discovered the podcasts...and I am able to listen to them at work. At least my day will go by faster. I get to hang out with them all day. And I'm also currently working on changing my phone's ring tone. To the theme song.

I might be addicted.

Where Does Pollen Come From?

I have been remiss in ignoring this question for so long. Heather asked me some time ago and I kept forgetting to work on her answer.

Ah, Heather, this is a very complicated answer. And very frustrating for so many people. Apparently, about 1 in 6 peopls suffer from hay fever associated with pollen in the air. I personally am not an allergy sufferer. How I was blessed with this omission, I don't know, but I'm definitely thankful. Especially that I'm not allergic to cats. But I am off-topic now.


Pollen. Teeny-tiny microgametophytes. Made up of a nucleus of sperm cells and two layers of shell to protect it and located in a part of the plant accessible from the outside. The male part of the plant that is usually blown by the wind or carried by an insect or bird to another plant to be germinated and create a seed for a new plant. The study of pollen is palynology and is a very useful for many other studies.

Pollen is used by bees as food, by plants as a regenerator and by pharmaceutical companies as profit.

The reason that only a part of the general population are affected aversely by pollen is because of certain pollen proteins. Apparently, allergy-sufferers have an immune system that considers these proteins as harmful. Their bodies react by releasing excessive amounts of histamine.

"Histamine causes blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable, so that they
leak fluids that are rich in immune cells. Under normal circumstances, these
immune cells migrate to the site of injury or infection, where they help to rid
the body of harmful invaders. For allergy sufferers, however, pollen triggers a
false alarm, which translates into irritated, dripping nostrils, swollen tissue,
and watery eyes."

Which is why they then take an anti-histamine to reduce the symptoms. And since one in six is a pretty high percentage, that is why the drug companies make so much money!

Allergies are generally inherited from the parents and will continue to be passed on from generation to generation. Fortunately, most people can keep these allergies under control with drugs.

The most common plants to avoid that are high-pollen carriers are ragweed, oak, birch, hickory, pecan, and early summer grasses.

So stock up on your Benadryl and duck when you see the pollen flying!

Moms

We all have one. Or had one at some point in our life. We all know one or will be one or already are one. I think Moms are more respected than they used to be. It's a worthy job title to be sure.

I don't usually call mine on mother's day. For many reasons, not the least of which is that she can't answer the phone. That and I don't know how to hold a conversation with her over the phone if I by chance can get someone else to answer her phone.

She used to be a great mom. She used to be the best mom. I remember she was always supportive, she used to send me mail when I was away at Grandma's, she used to cry whenever I'd leave for a week, she taught me how to cook and how to sew and how to love life. I remember great meals, laughing (we both have the loudest laughs ever), playing games, shopping...but I also remember the tears and the frustration and the pain and the suffering.

There are parts of life that I don't think we will ever understand. I don't think we are meant to understand. But are we meant to just accept them? Are we suppose to just sit back and say, "oh well, I guess that's just how it is?" I don't think I will ever accept what has happened to my mother and who she has become. I don't think I have to.

Sometimes I am accepting. But I think those are the times I have just put her out of my mind. I don't let myself think about it too much because then I will plague myself with guilt and sadness. I didn't do enough. I should be with her. I should have made him take care of her. I should do more. I should be better. And some of that is true and some of that is a lie.

It's easier to just put it away from my thoughts. I don't want a replacement mother. I think when someone tries to mother me it only makes me more frustrated and angry. Be my friend, be my relative, be whatever, but don't try to be my mother. I'm not bitter and I'm surprisingly well-balanced. I'm ok being independant. I'm ok depending on my Father. He is dependable and reliable and unconditional. He brought me through this so far and blesses me abundantly above what I feel I deserve.

My dad on the other hand, is a completely different story. He's coming to visit for Memorial Day Weekend and I have no idea what to do with him. And I am not looking forward to it. And my brother plans on skipping town. And I don't know how to explain that to dad. If there's anything I want to put out of my thoughts it's him.

I guess I say all this to remind anyone who has a loving parent to be thankful for them. To let them know how much you appreciate them. To remind yourself how blessed you are. And in return to be the best parent you can be.

Do I even want to be a parent? To take the chance of putting my child through what I went through. To take the chance of passing on a gene to them that would cause such a tragedy.

Ah life. The choices, the heartache, the changes, the continuity, the drama. Life is good in spite of it all. Life is pain. Life is life.

Together At Last

Smacky* and Lily** are finally reunited! After months of Smacky lying in twain*** and Lily occupying the prime spot in the shower, they are back together where they belong.

Tending the garden. Watching out for those unruly children who pick my flowers. Helping Grant with the weeding. Enjoying the sunshine. Golly they're happy little frogs.

Smacky has been super-glued back together. And he's resting against the railing for extra support just in case. I still have to watch out for that paper boy.
Lily is happy just being in the garden. She is my watchfrog against the kids. "Please don't pick the daisies." Pretty please?

And really, is it too much to ask that the neighbor children keep their grubby little hands off of my flowers? Is it? I think not. Does that make me an ogre? I don't plant flowers for them to pick do I? Nope. Sure don't. Mean ol' lady next door. That's me.


--See also:

*Smacky's first appearance
**Frog in the Tub
***Froggie Hit & Run

Running

I used to be a runner. I loved to run. Everywhere I went I ran. And I was good. In high school, there were a couple years I beat most of the guys.

The first year I had to beg my mother to let me run. My first race, I ran in jeans and whatever shoes I had on. And I won out of my group. (Sorry if you've already heard that story. I know I've told it a million times.) I was built to be a runner. I loved the rush of crossing the finish line. Of getting the medal or the trophy.

But somewhere I quit liking it. Somewhere it became more work than fun. Somewhere it started hurting too much. Now, I'm proud of myself if I can make it a whole mile.

I watch the commercials for Nike or Adidas and think, "Man, wouldn't it be great if I were a runner?" I'd be in shape, healthy and if these women are any indication, happy. I also tell myself that if I just had a treadmill I would run. Pop on the ipod, crank up the tunes and run away.

This weekend there is a big race in town. And it goes right by our house. Well, last year the race went directly past our house. Now it is a couple blocks away. We complain that we have to walk three blocks to go watch it, while by the time they get to us, the runners have gone at least 12 miles.

Tonight I am volunteering at the registration center. I hand out instructions, maps, runners' numbers and their free t-shirt. There are so many people so excited about the race. Ready to go. Ready to beat their best times. Trained. It makes me wish I ran it. It makes me wish I could convince myself to train for it.

It is such an emotional experience for me. Every year I watch them all run by, it brings me to tears. I'm not sure if it's because the runners are in so much pain, or because I envy their dedication or because of the other people who are also cheering for everyone whether they know them or not.

But I'll be out there tomorrow morning in the rain. With my umbrella. And a mug of hot coffee. And I'll cheer for them. And I'll clap and yell as they run by. Because they can do what I can't do. They can do what I won't do.

Friday Eve

One of my last few half days here and half day at the other job. I do like the short day that it makes though. Only a few more hours to go.

I have good meetings planned today. Getting the other job's detailed requirements down. What I want to add to my schedule, how to better do what I am already doing. I'm excited about that as there are so many things that I want to get my hands into.

I'm also going to a local baseball game tonight. And am looking forward to it. Not for the game, of course, but for the hanging out part and for the hot dogs! Somewhere in my life I obtained the disdain for baseball. Which is funny because the man that lives in my basement watches every game he possibly can (on his three tvs) as well as taping several too. And we used to play baseball in the backyard when we were little. Of course, he hit me with the ball a lot. But I don't know if that was just his lack of skill at pitching or if he was just being a brother. And there was the one time I got hit in the head with the bat. Maybe all that is why I don't prefer the sport.

I would join a softball team though. That would be fun. And I would totally be ok with a kid who played. But tonight, I will be happy eating hot dogs and watching all the silly antics that go along with a local game.

Need Something to Talk About

Ok, so here's an interactive blog post.

1. On an ideal "day off" what is the first thing that comes to mind that you would want to do?

2. What is your realistic ideal job? Is it what you are doing now? Something you have done before?

3. What is your favorite cereal?

4. If you ever went back to school (for career or even just to learn), what would you study?

Officiality

Well boys and girls, it's official. In three weeks from now, I will only have one job.

I can hardly believe it myself. No more running headlong from one side of town to the other and back, trying to cram in as many working hours as possible. More cooking dinner for my family. No more stressful days spent without any actual sunlight. More spending time with friends in the sunshine. Less work, more play. Less money, more frugal. Less better, more best.

I am looking forward to more gardening, more time with my hubby and my friends. I am looking forward to me time: spiritually & emotionally. I am looking forward to working out, playing, studying.

New priorities. New job description. New lifestyle.


It's time for summer.

Of course, I still have three more weeks of my dual role. I will make it through valiently without giving up. These are the hardest weeks. But I refuse to burn bridges and yet still want to go out flaming.
Yes, it is definitely time for summer. Wanna come over? We'll grill, play in the park, sit on the hammock & sip some tea. I want to be tan, I want to feel more alive, I want to grow things. I want to get my house in order; I want to get myself in order. I guess I will still have plenty of work to keep myself busy.

Russian Spies

Just finished a great book today. Nelson Demille is undoubtably in the list of my favorite authors. He writes very intriuging stuff. The novel I just completed was called The Charm School and was all about Russian espionage in the late 80's. He is one of those type of authors that always make me want to learn more about the history of whatever I have been reading. I know very little about Russian history and it is a very interesting part of the world. Their culture, their philosophy, everything they do. It was/is so counter to how we live in our American world. So many things that cause me to think about my culture, my philosophy, what I do.

I am home sick today. It started middle of last week and progressed to where I am not a very pleasant person to be around right now. Well, I'm still friendly, but rather gross I guess.

Anyway, I am about to have a lifestyle shift. That started quite some time ago, but will be coming to a head shortly. It's exciting, but scary at the same time. It's relieving, but more stressful in the same breath. All that has brought me to more closely analyze how and why I live the way I do.

How many of my choices are so purely selfish, I don't even know it myself? Who do I consider when I'm making these important decisions? Am I choosing what I choose to serve myself, to serve my family, to serve my friends, or to serve my Lord? Do I care who I am serving? And if I don't, then what does that mean?

Is it even as big of a deal as I am making it out to be in my head? It's just another step in the road. It's not really that life-altering, is it? For the better. For the best.

Maybe more things in life really are bigger deals than we make them be. How I choose to do the dishes or not. What I choose to watch on tv or not. What I read. What is better? What is best?

Ah yes. Sunshine is better today. Rest is best for my body. I can have both today. But what about tomorrow? My heart needs to be better. My soul needs to be best. My spirit has not had rest though my body has.

So I change. My lifestyle. My schedule. My choices. For the better. For the best.

Bathroom Etiquette

Is it ok to talk on the phone when you are in a public restroom? Not just 'in', either but more like 'on'?

I just don't think that it's ok. Would you want to be the friend on the other end of the line? It's bad enough to have to be in there in the first place let alone listen to it if you are cozy at home.

Is everyone with me on this one? Or do you do it?

Besides, everyone else who may be in the room is confused as to whether you are talking to them or not!

Ugh. It just seems like it could wait five minutes. But maybe that's just me...

Happy Day!

We are celebrating this day at our work today. I'd tell you what day we are celebrating, but I know too many people who get into trouble with work-related blogs. So just know that today is a big happy day here!

We got a whole bucket of stuff at our desks this morning. Beach towel, shovel, snacks, beach ball, bubbles...lots of fun little silly things.

And food. Lots of food! I think every department will be having a huge potluck today. It's only 9 and I'm already starving for lunch smelling all these smells!



Speaking of food, I made an amazing pizza last night. Thanks to Marcia, I discovered that there is ready-made pizza crust in the dairy section at the grocery store. I wasn't smart enough to unroll the dough, but instead thought it would be genius to roll it out with a rolling pin. Eh, it was fine. Dough is forgiving. I sprinkled tons of spices on the crust and some Parmesan cheese. Popped it in the oven for a few minutes and then covered it will all kinds of pizza topping goodness.






Sauce first and then a layer of spinach.

Then some cheese. One can't have too much cheese on a pizza.






Red pepper in slices.

Chicken, tomatoes (only on one side so as not to contaminate the hubby), pepperoni and pineapple.







And of course more cheese.







It was so tasty! Big brother even came up from his bat cave to eat with us. It was that good.

Boo...Hiss...

I am getting sick. I officially have a runny nose and a sore throat. I would rather not be sick, but I don't believe I am going to be able to avoid it. A girl can always use a day off of work though.

Maybe I should be sick on Friday. That's a really good day to be sick.



Planning on making a pizza for dinner tonight. No, not taking a pizza out of the freezer and putting it in the oven. Actually selecting my own toppings, and making a crust and all the pizza-type things that go into pizza-ing.

We'll see how that goes. This will be my first pizza-ing attempt. Usually I am pretty well able to make about any recipe, but pizza is pretty tricky. I think. It could also be really easy. But the plan is to tell the hubby how very difficult it was and come out with this ultimate amazing pizza and get a good backrub out of the deal.

That's the plan.

A Case of the Mondays

All I want first thing in the morning is my very own perfectly-brewed-by-my-hubby cup of coffee.

Is that really so much to ask? I think not.

This morning we were running a bit late so I started getting the coffee ready. Scooped out the perfect amount into the filter. I was getting out the creamer from the fridge when hubby came down and put the filter into the pot with the water and set it going. He confirmed that I had scooped exactly the right amount. We are both picky about our coffee and I always affirm that he makes it the best.

But alas, tragedy struck our kitchen this morning.* The coffee filter folded over itself. The brew came out practically clear. Sigh. We both had to take in coffee mugs with just creamer in them this morning.

Work coffee isn't so bad. But I was so looking forward to the perfectly-brewed-by-my-hubby cup of coffee.



*In the grand scheme of things, bad coffee isn't really a tragedy. A friend had a horribly fire in her kitchen this weekend, countries are at war with one another, and children are starving to death. I don't want to lighten any of those things. And I really don't feel all that sorry for myself. Just trying to use interesting word analogies, I guess. Just trying to lighten life so that we can laugh at our small irritations and put things in perspective.

Love to all on this gloomy Monday. Quick, somebody cheer me up!

A Little or A Lot?

This is my 150th Post. I'm not sure if that's an accomplishment or not. For ego's sake, we'll say it is.

Tell me something you haven't told me yet. Anything at all. I want lots of comments here, people.

Especially if you're a lurker. You can even be anonymous. But I know far too many of you who tell me you read, but you don't comment...

Ok. So there are 101 things that I have told you about me. Not to mention all the random things I blabber about every single day. Just tell me one or two things about you that I don't know. In the meanwhile, I'll work on the other 49 things about me you may or may not know yet.

I'll be expecting to hear from you shortly. Thanks for playing.


~A

Rooftop Garden

This is my weekend project.

Well, in theory it is. I have a flat roof. And I need more garden space. Thus, I am proposing to build myself a rooftop garden.

There are so many things I have to take into consideration here. The amount of weight my roof can hold is definitely one of them. I am finding different soils that are lighter that should work well. I also should probably find out if I legally have to have a railing on my roof. Then I have to decide on just the right plants to grow that are all shallow rooted.

Lettuce would be a good one. And I could do some strawberries out there. I can do more tomatoes in separate pots too. That always works well.

Cucumbers are shallow. I just have to have enough room for them to crawl around.

Anything in particular you'd like to see me grow on my roof? I'm taking requests. I'll be sure to share anything I grow!

Play that Funky Lama, White Boy

Ah yes. There is nothing better than a vacation. Even if it is only a few days long. But I suppose I should begin at the beginning. Or at least at last week.Friday I had a very long day. Only a half work day at my “real” job and then off to the church to set up and get ready for our evening event. My band rocks. They really do. The event was a thank-you dinner for all of our children’s ministry volunteers. Food was amazing and the band played a few songs during dinner and as I said before—they rock. I am always amazed by how much I love performing with them. Kids…who knew?

Saturday I had a girlfriend call me at 9 so I would get out of bed. I know, it’s really sad, but that’s the only way I will get my butt up on a Saturday! Anyway, we got up, had a very lovely eggs & hash browns breakfast, and I went out to the gardens. So much work to be done. I did tons of planting, raking, seeding, rearranging and even a good bit of cleaning and organizing. Hubby even helped with the man-type work. He is so sweet…I didn’t even ask him to help; he just started digging in! Hauling bags of dirt, cleaning up winter debris, etc.

I also had to fix a huge hole in our backyard fence that the neighbor’s dog kept trying to come through. Our fence is rather old and the crazy dog was doing a pretty good job working his way under it. And of course, he thought we were in his yard so he kept barking at us. So I built a little patch and the neighbors even gave me a couple pieces of their good, sturdy boards to use that they had and it is all better now. No more erosion into the neighbor’s yard!

I got a ton done throughout the whole day and also got my first sunburn of the year! Yay! I love getting a sunburn in April. Of course, I’m horribly itchy now, but that’s how it goes…

Sunday was a regular morning; good times with the kids. After services, we grabbed some Arby’s, bought some paint and ran home to pack for our trip. I also had to clean a bit as I am obsessive about having the house clean before we go away anywhere. Stopped at the grocery store on the way out to stock up our fridge and we were on our way to a mini-break!



Saugatuck. I had never been there so in spite of it only being about a half-hour away, I was very glad to be going somewhere fun and new. We rented a teeny, tiny little cottage and it was just perfect. Basically just a little studio that looked a bit like a garage.



But only on the outside. It was so cute inside. Well-decorated and it had everything we needed, including a full kitchen, grill and a hot tub!

We spent three days and nights watching movies, doing a puzzle, playing GameCube, eating, shopping and simply relaxing. No need to go anywhere or do anything in particular. Staying up late and sleeping in as long as we wanted.





I cooked French Toast every morning and we only ate out a couple times. Steaks with mac & cheese; Salmon w/ rice (of course...)









See: a puzzle. We didn't finish it. But we did most of it. We finished the castle...and most of the trees. Ok, so we're quitters. But Zelda & Alias were calling.






This is the Funky Lama. A great rose’ wine we found with a silly name. We may have to buy a whole case of it, it was so good. And who doesn’t like to say, “Please pass the funky lama”? We strangely kept seeing lamas everywhere the whole trip too. There was a sculpture in the park, and one of the stores we wandered through had little lama beads. It made us feel very funky. And lama-ish.










This is Andy before our vacation. See how whipped and in need of relaxation he is?











Here he is after we arrived. Refreshed, and revived. And a little bit lazy. Ahhh...








I think we should have stayed away longer. But we did miss our kitties. And all good things must come to an end...right?






Plus, we were excited to see what our bedroom makeover looked like. While we were gone, our bedroom got painted. Nothing overly exciting, I guess—just a nice grey—but we also had new bedside cabinets to put up (that I built/put together) as well as new lights and little things like that. Just making it feel finished and cozier. It is now a very relaxing room. I also got blocks to raise the bed up for more storage underneath so it feels cleaner and a little bigger with less clutter. Plus, it’s high enough now that hubby can’t touch the floor when he sits on it! HA!





Before: Just one lamp & one little table.









After: lamp and cabinet on each side. Pictures still need to go up…


















Fortunately, I only have two days of work this week. I don’t think I could handle more. It’s actually quite busy here too, so the days should fly by. Though I really have a lot of catching up to do on my blog-roll…so it may be difficult. Bear with me.

Saturday I get to do more gardening. And I have tons of laundry to do, sewing to catch up on and several little organizational things to be done.

Busy days. But good days. What have you all been up to? I have missed chatting with you and hearing your stories. So regale me with your words of beautiful times and your lovely lives.

Now I must work. Work my little fingers to the bone. Or type my little fingers to the bone at least.

Love to you all. Thanks for missing me.

Mintyfresh

I got the two of the best packages in the mail this week. One was for my birthday and the other was something I had purchased.

I ordered a new guitar strap for my acoustic guitar a while ago and have been anxiously waiting for it to arrive. Custom-made, the sweetest pink fabric and perfect; it arrived the other day from Lilybug Handcrafted Lovlies. If you want an original strap, she is the lady for you!

Plus, not only did I get exactly what I wanted, but in my package were all kinds of nifty little prizes too! A couple cute dino stamps, candies, hair clippies, glow bracelets, etc. What a great surprise! It totally made my day.

For my birthday, I got a package from across the country. My sweet N sent me the cutest little tiny clutch purse with a Hobby Lobby gift card. The girl knows my needs.

I love packages.

What's the best thing you've ever gotten in the mail?

I'm "It", but You're Next

I've been tagged by Marcia...

My very first tag. I feel like I'm part of the cool kids or something. It's the "or something" that has me worried.

Ok, so this is simply writing six interesting things about myself. Tricky, tricky. I'm not sure I'm all that interesting. But I'll try. :)


Rules

**Go write weird facts/things/etc. about yourself in my comment box and on your blog, then tag more people!
**Then leave a comment that says ‘You are tagged‚’ in their comments telling them to read your blog.

1. My favorite video game is "The Legend of Zelda." Once I start playing, I can't stop. Hubby & I have to schedule a whole day off to play because we get so into it. And we have to play together. We both get mad if one of us plays without the other.

2. I like to save wine bottle corks. Not exactly sure why, but I think they look cool sitting in a bowl. I think I saw someone else do it once and thought it was an interesting idea. Plus, if I ever need one, I know where I can find one.

3. I love to buy children's books. I am especially attracted to excellent illustrations. I just bought a sweet little sad book about a raccoon this weekend at a garage sale and almost cried reading it from looking at the pictures where he was crying. Pms may have had a bit to do with the crying part.

4. I am unable to kill spiders. I just stand there staring at them and yelling for hubby to get down there and squash it. This time of year is horrible for them. I did actually run upstairs to get him the other night because I couldn't do laundry for fear of the gigantic black hairy spider right next to the laundry machine who would likely eat my hand. Hubby wouldn't be able to hear me that far away. He had to finish the laundry.

5. I get migraines on Sundays. Almost guaranteed.

6. I haven't practiced my guitar in about a week. But I'm going to go do that right now. My fingertips hardly hurt anymore. I don't think that's a good sign.


OK, so I'm tagging:
Heather
Jean
Nate (Ha, hA!)
N
Amy

Tulips and Easter

Ahh...everything is blooming! Leaves are bursting forth from their budded cocoons, flowers are opening brightly to the sunshine, sprouts are sprouting. Hurray for spring!











I had a lovely weekend for my birthday. Sunshine, warm weather and lots of good times. We went out to my favorite restaurant Friday night and another great place Saturday night. Lots of good eating out!

I got to go shopping on Saturday and even got a much-needed pedicure!
I am so thankful for birthday money!









Sunday was busy as usual but a very good day. Easter services were excellent and the kids services were so very fun. We had a big pile of friends and family for lunch and the kids got to hunt for Easter eggs around our house.








Thank you all again for your wonderful birthday wishes. It was a beautiful weekend with lots of love and ice cream cake... :)

Hubby bought me Narnia along with a new DVD player to watch it on! Whew! I can finally get back to work on SATC Season 2. He also has ordered something for me online, but it didn't come in time so he won't tell me what it is.

My birthday continues for another week!

YAY!

Happy Birthday to meeee!!!

My sweet friend who is living with me got up extra early to make and frost a whole batch of chocolate cupcakes this morning! MMM!

I only have to work a half day today so I am going home early to play in my garden and lounge around with my kitties and my hubby. :)

We have been having people bring in random snacks all week this week to work and I decided earlier this week that we needed to have a potluck today for my birthday! So it is officially Taco Potluck Day. : )


I hope you all enjoy my birthday! I am old and wise. Hit me--I can answer anything now.

Blah, Blah, Blah

I think I've been really overwhelmed lately. I have big life decisions looming over my head. I have many events to plan, rehearse and go through. I have several small gatherings I am a part of and some that I have to cook/bake/decorate for. I don't have time for everything.

My work is slow. There isn't much work to do at all lately. And so I'm not busy while I'm here. But I have still felt so exhausted lately. I haven't been getting the sleep I should because I'm doing all these things and when I'm not doing, I'm thinking. I've had migraines almost every day.

I feel like I should be more supportive of my family. I don't connect with them very often and I know they need encouragement. But I feel like I don't have anything to give. I feel like so much is expected of me, but I don't care enought to want to live up to those expectations. I just want to give in and lie down and sleep for eons.

I'm not content, I'm not satisfied, I'm not full.

What is my problem? Do I just need a vacation? Do I just need a nap? Do I just need a new head, and a new attitude? Is it just Tuesday and I wish it were Friday? I need a longer weekend, a stopping of the clock. I need sunshine and I need hugs. I want to retreat, but I don't know where to go.

Ugh. Nothing fun or happy here, folks. Move along, move along. Nothing to see here but a grumpy growly sourpuss.

Short Weekend

I think my weekends always feel really short. Like if I blink too fast they are already gone.




Friday night was a very nice, relaxing evening with my girls. I got a sweet bag full of all kinds of beauty products and a beautiful potted pink tulip. Isn't it so cheery!? One of the girls made a very yummy stuffed porkchop dish, we had a fruit salad, lime bars and an amazing home-made ice cream cake. Oh, it was all so good! I wish I had a birthday more often. Don't forget only four more shopping days!

Saturday we slept in a bit. I made stellar scrambled eggs and we took a lovely walk in the springtime air. Around 1 in the afternoon about 20 kids came over with their parents to do a recording for an event later this month. They are such great kids. And very entertaining to listen to! They aren't all perfect vocalists, but they have big hearts and love singing.

I don't remember what I did the rest of the day. I think just some tidying. Some laundry. And I did watch Chocolat.Ok, sob apprarently I do remember.

We had some wonderful friends come over for salmon & rice (of course!) in the evening. I got some food counseling (I really need to eat better) and hubby got a listening ear in the studio as well as someone to play Star Wars Legos with on the GameCube.

Sunday was a busy day as usual. Since we have a family event coming up this week at our church for Easter, I had my kids group sing for prelude in the morning services. They were great! We left for home early to get lunch ready as we were having some friends over for lunch, and we enjoyed a great afternoon of company and conversation.

Then we ran back to church again after that because hubby was playing in the evening service and I had rehearsal with my band for the family event. The kids get better every time they play. I still have so much to learn as far as leading them. I had a lesson last night with hubby on how to help them change keys and how to better let them know what I want them to do. And I actually practiced myself for a bit. I must get in a better habit. I think hubby also needs to kick me in the tush more.

And of course the evening ended well with a good rerun of Grey with more friends. I am still catching up on the beginning of this year's season so I was happy and we had a great night with a huge bowl of popcorn.

A long week ahead. But with coffee and a little grace, I will make it.

Hugs to all!

Presents

So hubbers asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I had originally told him (in a loud, demanding voice) that all I wanted was an ice-cream cake from Dairy Queen. And that I should be allowed to eat the whole thing by myself.

But he wants to get me a present. Now, I really like presents. I do. What girl doesn't? But he is the most creative gift-giver I know. Two years ago I got a hammock. I LOVE the hammock. I don't remember what I got last year. Errr...But I'll bet it was creative. Or wait...did we not do presents last year? Yeah, I think that was it. All that to say, it's just odd that he asks as he's so good at picking things out himself.

Anyway...I'm trying to come up with a list of suggetions.

Shoes: I think he could pick some out that would be stellar. Otherwise, I will accept a gift card. (Hint: DSW)
Books: Here also he is a good judge of what authors I already like and have read before. This is always a good option.
Movies: Chick flicks make me happy. As do action movies.
Diamonds: A girls' best friend. But I don't know that they are in the budget. I won't tell if you don't. (Hint: those stud earrings I want)
Plants or planting Stuff: I am obsessive about loving plants. I would live in a jungle if I could.

New alarm clocks for our bedroom: What? We need them! Cute, small silver ones. And I am trying to be crazy frugal right now so I'm not buying them normally! (Which is very hard because I'm so good at shopping)

Cute Tops: This is risky because he doesn't usually go shopping on his own, but I think he could do it. And there are so many cute tops out right now. (Hint: The Limited)
Flowers: Always a good choice. Especially if they are potted ones I can put in the garden. AN

The Countdown Begins

It is exactly one week before my birthday. That is all the time there is left for browsing and shopping to find the perfect gift. I know. I can hardly believe it myself! But don't worry, I won't let you forget.



Tonight is my first birthday party. I am being picked up at 6 for a rousing good time of...well, I don't know yet. But I am still excited to be with my girls for the night!

Next weekend hubby's parents will be in town so hopefully we'll get some partying in then too!


OH, and what a pain is this!? Wednesday night I get SATC in the mail along with the first disk of the first season of Alias (I've got two whole weeks to watch the first 4 years!) and our DVD player doesn't work. Doesn't even turn on. Apparently, I have to get that for my birthday. And I really wanted shoes. Sigh.

April 5 Flower

One little flower. Slowly growing in the cold. Reaching up towards the sky. Desperately seeking the warmth. Showing beauty to a dirt-filled

Soon he will be gone. Faded away to just stems. All his bright color gone. Cut down to make way for new plants.



But he'll be back next year. Hopefully with many more of his friends.

Cats on Things. And Under Stuff.

Iggy. He just always keeps me guessing. Who knew he was such a seamstress?



On my *very messy* sewing table.












Under the table and On the chair.

What's for Dinner Wednesday #2

This week I was able to make a lovely dinner for my hubby on Tuesday. I'm holding my breath that I'll be able to cook something again tonight. It doesn't happen very often in my house that we are both home at the same time and around dinner.




I found a great salmon recipe on http://familycircle.com/. Lots of herbs and garlic & onion. I'm often a bit skeptical about making anything other than a sweet salmon, but this turned out beautifully. I even put a bit of fresh parsley from my garden on top!

Yummy! And of course, I always make it with wild rice on the side...and a vegetable.

What are you making for dinner tonight? Anything good from last night?

Who's Up for an Adventure!?

A friend of mine has always loved going on adventures, taking his family on adventures and simply experiencing life with a higher love for excitement. He has competed in adventure races, led men's biking groups and has now even started his own business in helping you create your own adventures!

Really now, this is genius. Not only can you get all the equipment you could ever need for hiking, biking, kayaking, mountain climbing, exploring the great unknown etc and so forth; but he will actually plan your trip for you and help you out with all the details!

He knows all the best places you can go, the best products you'll want to use and the best ways to do all the sweet adventuring you will ever want to do. That's a cool new verb. Adventuring.


Anyway, this may seem like a shameless plug for a good buddy. And by golly, it just may be!

Check out his site, www.magneticnorthcompass.com tell all of your friends and get out there and adventure!

Hey Adventureman, you need to plan me a sweet exciting trip. Hmmm...where should we go? Ideas? Of course you have ideas! You're Adventureman!

Still Plucking Away

I will be a rock star soon enough. Or at the very least, decent enough to not make a complete fool of myself.

Really, I would love to be able to contribute to musical writing someday. Just so that when hubby asks me what I think and what would sound good, I'll be able to answer with a real response other than, "whatever you do sounds good, sweetie."

I just need that hot pink guitar.

Truth

I would like to start a bit of a discussion.

This is something I have been pondering lately.



How do we currently define truth? What is our basis for why and how we do this?


Is this how truth has been defined in the past? Is this how truth will be defined ten years from now?




Do we use the word too liberally?



What does truth mean to you? Is that something worth fighting/arguing over?



I'm not going to answer initially. I want to hear all of your opinions. Short, long -- whatever you have to say.

Cats Under Stuff. Part 1.

Iggy.

He likes not only to be on things, but he also likes very much to be under them.